Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-03-04

Cabinet Minister John Deng responded on Sunday to reports of a new US tariff on steel

Cabinet Minister John Deng (left) is featured in this CNA file photo.

imports.

US President Donald Trump announced last week that a 25% tariff will be imposed on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports starting this week. The move was met with a swift protest from the EU and China. Taiwan’s economics ministry said the tariffs are rooted in protectionism and will damage international free trade.

Cabinet Minister John Deng said Sunday that Taiwan will monitor forthcoming comments from Trump, and any word of how the US plans to put the tariff in place. He said if it hurts Taiwan’s interests, then Taiwan will attempt to enter negotiations with the US. He said that Taiwan would not give up any of its rights as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).    [FULL  STORY]